The Emergence of Muslim Communities in Ilocandia

Abstract

This study was conceptualized to trace the history of Muslim migration in Ilocandia. It employed mixed quantitative- qualitative method of research using triangulation. It provided an analysis of Muslim migration from Mindanao to Ilocandia, particularly at the Darussalam Compound, Zone 3, Bantay, Ilocos Sur. Twenty- seven (27) Muslim migrants served as respondents of the study, selected through purposive sampling. Key informants were also interviewed. Pertinent data needed were culled out from the Registration of Barangay Inhabitants of 2014. The reasons of leaving their homeland, their migratory pattern, as well as their experiences in coping with their new environment were looked into. The push and pull factors of migration were identified. The findings of the study revealed that all of the Muslim migrants of Darussalam Muslim Compound, Zone 3, Bantay, Ilocos Sur are from Marawi City, they are Maranaos, married, 21- 59 years of age, with ideal family size, businessmen /vendors. Majority received low income; migrated directly to Ilocandia except for a few who passed by Cotabato City, Cebu City, Davao City, Cagayan de Oro, Metro Manila and Nueva Ecija and finally settled in the Muslim community of Bantay, Ilocos Sur. Their coming to Ilocandia was caused by political, economic, social, and cultural factors that hamper and hinder their social, economic, political and cultural growth and well- being such as poverty, violence and fear, less educational opportunities, unemployment, low income, high crime and mission to spread Islam. Muslim migration to Ilocandia has been steered by a promising place for business, better environment for their children to grow, better quality of life and religious tolerance. They migrated to Ilocandia because they wanted a better place to live in. These Muslim migrants are peace- loving people and entrepreneurial who dream of living in a peaceful community where they can be economically productive.